Mackenzie McTavish – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Mackenzie McTavish is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Neuroconnection Physiotherapy in Ottawa, ON, Mackenzie McTavish is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Mackenzie McTavish's role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Mackenzie McTavish serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Mackenzie McTavish completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2014). With clinical experience, Mackenzie McTavish is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Mackenzie McTavish has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Mackenzie McTavish employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Mackenzie McTavish offers consultations in English.

Mackenzie McTavish provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Mackenzie McTavish can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Convenient and effective physiotherapy care delivered in your home by a qualified Physiotherapist, focusing on your specific goals and challenges.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Receiving personalized physiotherapy care online through secure and interactive video sessions with your qualified Physiotherapist, including real-time exercise correction and tailored advice.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Mackenzie McTavish, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At Neuroconnection Physiotherapy, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Mackenzie McTavish frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With Mackenzie McTavish's help, managing frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders to achieve successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) and achieved a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity under the skilled care of Mackenzie McTavish. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness with a new lease on life.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Mackenzie McTavish's clinic, common concerns like recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.
• Tired of swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment interfering with sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort? Mackenzie McTavish uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey and regain your freedom of movement.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Mackenzie McTavish, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Mackenzie McTavish practices at Neuroconnection Physiotherapy, situated in the Glebe, Old Ottawa South neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near the Supreme Court of Canada and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Neuroconnection Physiotherapy or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most Ontarians. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It is strongly recommended that you check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Neuroconnection Physiotherapy
P.O Box 4646 Ottawa Postal Station E
Ottawa, ON, K1S 5H8

Phone: (613) 518-2082

Mackenzie McTavish is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX47

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=50d8a215-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.